The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program 2026 offers one-year research opportunities in Japan and Thailand for agricultural researchers from developing countries, including travel support, accommodation, insurance, and daily allowances.
The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) has opened applications for the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026, a prestigious research opportunity designed to support scientists from developing countries in advancing agricultural, forestry, and fisheries research.
The fellowship provides selected researchers with the opportunity to conduct advanced research under the supervision of JIRCAS scientists at research facilities in Tsukuba, Japan, or at a JIRCAS project site in Thailand.
The programme aims to accelerate scientific collaboration, strengthen research capacity, and promote international partnerships focused on sustainable solutions for global food systems, agriculture, and planetary health.
The one-year fellowship will begin in November 2026, with successful fellows receiving financial support, accommodation assistance, travel funding, and research opportunities in internationally recognised scientific environments.
Applications are open to eligible researchers from developing countries until 31 August 2026.
The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program supports researchers who are actively engaged in agricultural science and related fields within universities or research institutions in developing countries.
Through the programme, fellows collaborate with JIRCAS researchers on specialised research themes covering areas such as crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, microbial technologies, climate resilience, and food security.
The fellowship is designed to enhance researchers’ technical expertise while encouraging them to return to their home institutions after completion and continue contributing to scientific development in their countries.
Research Themes Available for FY2026
Applicants can apply for research opportunities under the following themes:
Theme 1: BNI-Release Mechanisms in Maize
This research focuses on understanding biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) mechanisms in maize and analysing how plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity influences the release of BNI compounds.
The research aims to contribute to the development of BNI-enabled maize varieties that improve nitrogen efficiency and support sustainable agricultural production.
Host Scientist: Guntur Venkata Subbarao
Location: Tsukuba, Japan
Theme 2: Development of Methanogenic Microbial Consortia
This theme focuses on developing microbial technologies that combine biomass decomposition with methane production.
The selected fellow will investigate methanogenic microorganisms, evaluate methane-production performance, and explore technologies for stable microbial cultivation.
Host Scientist: UKE Ayaka
Location: Tsukuba, Japan
Theme 3: Mungbean Emergence Under Soil Crust Conditions
This research examines genetic resources of mungbean to identify varieties capable of surviving difficult soil crust conditions common in semi-arid agricultural regions.
The study will evaluate seedling emergence, plant traits, and genetic mechanisms linked to improved crop establishment.
Host Scientist: NAKAGAWA Andressa
Location: Tsukuba, Japan
Theme 4: Phosphate-Solubilizing Rhizosphere Microorganisms
This research investigates beneficial microorganisms that improve soil fertility and plant growth through interactions with rhizobia.
The project aims to support sustainable agriculture by developing microbial-based solutions for improved crop productivity.
Host Scientist: Papa Saliou Sarr
Location: Tsukuba, Japan
Theme 5: Sugarcane Responses Under Multi-Stress Conditions
This research focuses on evaluating physiological and genetic responses of sugarcane exposed to multiple environmental stresses.
Host Scientist: TAKARAGAWA Hiroo
Location: Thailand
Eligibility Requirements
The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program is open to researchers who meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be citizens of developing countries.
- Applicants must currently work at a university or research organisation in their home country.
- Candidates must actively conduct research related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, socio-economics, natural sciences, or technology.
- Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Researchers must be willing to return to their home institution after completing the fellowship.
- Applicants must have sufficient English and/or Japanese language ability.
- Candidates must receive endorsement from their employing institution.
- Applicants must be in good health and able to dedicate themselves exclusively to the selected research theme.
For Theme 5, preference will be given to applicants from Thailand or candidates eligible to stay in Thailand for the full fellowship period.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
Successful JIRCAS fellows will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Round-trip economy-class airfare.
- Daily living allowance of JPY 7,700 per day.
- Housing support based on government regulations.
- Accommodation facilities in Japan or Thailand.
- Overseas travel accident insurance covering injury, sickness, and damage during the fellowship period.
In Japan, fellows will have access to accommodation at:
Tsukuba International House (TIH)
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
The fellowship does not cover expenses related to dependents, chronic illnesses, dental treatment, pregnancy, or childbirth.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must complete the JIRCAS application process and submit the required documents, including:
- Summary of current research activities.
- Summary of proposed fellowship research.
- List of publications.
- Institutional endorsement letter.
- Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages).
- Recent photograph.
- Copies of three relevant publications.
Applicants must first complete the online registration process before submitting their documents by email following instructions provided by JIRCAS.
Application Deadline
The deadline for registration and submission of application documents is:
31 August 2026, 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time (JST)
Applicants will receive notification of results by:
24 September 2026
How to Apply
Interested researchers should complete the online registration form and follow the instructions provided by JIRCAS for submitting the required application materials.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the fellowship terms, research themes, and eligibility requirements before applying.
Why Researchers Should Consider This Fellowship
The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program provides an excellent opportunity for scientists from developing countries to gain international research experience, collaborate with leading agricultural experts, and contribute to solutions addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable farming.
By supporting knowledge exchange between Japan and developing countries, the programme strengthens global scientific networks and empowers researchers to create lasting impact within their communities.
